COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has scheduled its 57th annual winter hike for Jan. 21 at Hocking Hills State Park.
The department encourages those who love hiking to come out and visit the park for a community hike which officially begins at 9 a.m., though it will be a rolling start until 11 a.m.
The hike is set to begin at the entrance to Upper Falls, Old Man's Cave and will wind past Lower Falls and Cedar Falls, finally ending at Ash Cave, according to a release.
ODNR is encouraging hikers to carpool to save room in the visitor's center parking lot. Overflow parking will be available at Hocking Hills Elementary School, located off state Route 664.
Once hikers reach the end of the trail, transportation will be provided at Ash Cave to take them back to the visitor's center.
ODNR will have several officers, park naturalists and staff members stationed along the trail to assist those participating in the event. Mid-way through, the local Kiwanis Club will be serving hikers bean soup and cornbread at Cedar Falls.
Additionally, a local Lion's Club will be serving hot chocolate and doughnuts at the end of the hike. All refreshments are free, but the clubs are accepting donations, according to ODNR.
Hikers that complete the trek will receive a limited edition "Winter Hike Series" decal.
Find safety tips for winter hiking on ODNR's website.
